Bike Denver, Colorado

Pedal the city that sparked America's bike-share craze

Ride
The proliferation of bike-share systems in the United States can be traced back to Denver's B-Cycle program, the country's first large-scale operation. But cycling in the Mile High City goes well beyond the town limits—the metro region has more than 850 miles of paved paths, some of which lead directly to classic road rides and mountain bike trails. Lookout Mountain in nearby Golden (accessible by bike path from Denver) is one of the most popular climbs. The five-mile ascent has a steady 5- to 6-percent pitch that leads to panoramic views of Denver and the Rockies.

Courtesy B-Cycle

Pit Stops
Sip an Incredible Pedal IPA—brewed using barley mashed occasionally by an actual bicycle-powered mill—at Denver Beer Company. Across town, Denver Bicycle Cafe is a cozy bike shop that serves local coffee roasts until five, then pours craft beer until midnight. And in the River North Arts District, hop onto a B-Cycle to tour the more than 130 art galleries in this former industrial center that has transformed into a vibrant arts enclave.

Denver Bicycle Café (Jake Belvin)

Events
Costumes, boom boxes, and strange bikes are common sights at Denver Bike Night. The world's largest weekly ride and beer crawl draws thousands of revelers each Wednesday during the summer. In June, the Denver Century Ride circles the metro area before climbing into the Rocky Mountain foothills and the 15,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge—where you might spot bison, mule deer, or a bald eagle.

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